On Fridays, we like to share writing tips and tricks with our readers. We hope this section will encourage and inspire you to continually improve as a writer.

Writing Tip – Cut, Cut, Cut

Writers often fall in love with their words and phrases. Cutting your work down can feel like you are removing your story’s heart. I assure you, it only feels like that. You are simply weeding the beds for a stronger, more beautiful flower. You should be ruthless in your writing and eliminate each unnecessary word. Compressed writing packs a powerful story.

Writing Prompt – Start with a Word

We all have a word that intrigues us. Maybe it’s the sound of saying it or the look of it on paper. Think of that word you have always wanted to use and just haven’t found the right moment. Take your word and create a sentence. Any sentence — one that proclaims a perfect example of its meaning or an obscure interpretation. From that sentence continue to write. Let’s see where a word can take you.